Name: Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup dark brown sugar; 2 sticks salted butter; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup cold water (plus 1-2 tablespoons additional water as needed); 1 jar strawberry jam (around 1 1/2 cups); 1/4 cup dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1-4 tablespoons water (to thin the frosting as needed)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a treat that brings together the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon with the bright, fruity burst of strawberries, then you are in for a real delight with this Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe. These bars are irresistibly tender and soft, layered with luscious strawberry jam and a cinnamon-spiced filling that’s all topped with a sweet, creamy glaze. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A beige mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three layers of ingredients: the bottom layer is white flour, a stick of soft yellow butter lies across the middle, and dark brown sugar is sprinkled over the butter and flour. Nearby, several fresh red strawberries are scattered on the surface, with two strawberries placed inside a small white bowl. The lighting is warm and natural, emphasizing the textures and colors of the ingredients and surrounding items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward creating a batch of bars that are as delicious as they are inviting. Each component plays a key role, adding flavor, texture, or color that transforms this dessert into something truly special.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the bars.
1/4 cup dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the dough.
2 sticks salted butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
1/4 to 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Used in the filling to balance tartness with sweetness; 1/4 cup works perfectly.
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon filling for the perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with its signature warmth and spice.
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Adds richness to the spiced filling layer.
1 jar strawberry jam (around 1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, bringing juicy, sweet strawberry flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the luscious frosting that crowns these bars with sweetness.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds a subtle depth and natural sweetness to the frosting.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Gives the frosting a lovely aroma and flavor boost.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A slight hint in the frosting that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and cold salted butter using an electric mixer until well combined. Add vanilla and 1/3 cup cold water gradually, mixing until the dough just forms a ball—add water tablespoons as needed. This soft, pliable dough is the foundation of your bars.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Press one half firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating the base layer.

Step 3: Roll Out the Top Dough Layer

Trace the baking dish on parchment paper and roll out the other half of dough just beyond the traced edges. Set this aside to later cover the filling perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Filling

Evenly spread the strawberry jam over the dough in the baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle or spread this mixture over the jam for a spiced layer bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Bake

Carefully invert the rolled-out dough square over the filling, gently pressing it to seal and trimming any excess dough. Freeze the assembled bars for 15 minutes to help them set, then bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is firm and the edges are golden.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 1-2 tablespoons of water until silky smooth. Adjust with more water if needed to get a drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Drizzle the frosting over the cooled bars evenly. Let the frosting set, then slice your bars into squares or rectangles for serving or storing.

How to Serve Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe

The image shows a tray of rectangular bars with two visible layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, sticky jam filling completely covering the base, while the top layer is a thick, golden-brown oat crust with a slightly rough texture and small fork holes across the surface. The bars are cut into uniform rectangles, with one piece slightly pulled out to highlight the two layers. A deep pink flower with green leaves is placed at the top right corner, adding a pop of color. Part of a knife is visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your strawberry cinnamon bars with fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or a few fresh mint leaves also adds a lovely contrast in flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs beautifully, balancing the fruity sweetness with a hint of spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board for a charming farmhouse vibe or arrange them on a colorful plate to highlight the vibrant strawberry hues. For a party, cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative picks for easy, elegant snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bars soft and the frosting delightful without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed bars at their best, warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until just warmed through. This brings back that freshly baked softness and releases the lovely cinnamon scent.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

While fresh strawberries are delicious, the jam provides a consistent sweetness and texture that holds the bars together beautifully. If you prefer fresh fruit, cook them down until they form a thick compote to mimic jam’s consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the right texture.

Can the frosting be made vegan?

Yes, swap the maple syrup with agave and make sure the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. Using a plant-based milk or water instead of traditional vanilla extract liquid will keep it fully vegan while maintaining taste.

How do I prevent the top dough from cracking when baking?

Rolling the dough out slightly bigger than the base and then carefully inverting it over the filling helps prevent cracks. Also, chilling the bars before baking firms everything up so it bakes evenly without breaking apart.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Cutting when the bars are completely cooled and the frosting has set ensures clean, tidy slices that showcase all the layers beautifully.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with this Frosted Soft Strawberry Cinnamon Bars Recipe— it’s an absolute keeper for any baker who loves warm spices and fruity sweetness combined in a soft, comforting dessert. Make a batch, share with friends or family, and watch these bars become a beloved favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

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